The 3rdThursday Story

3rdThursday Cal Ave is a free, monthly, year-round music festival held on the third Thursday of each month from 6 to 9 p.m. along the pedestrian-only stretch of California Avenue in Palo Alto, California. Launched in May 2023, the event was founded to help revitalize California Avenue through live music and community engagement. With support from the City of Palo Alto, the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce, The Palo Alto Chamber Foundation, and local businesses, 3rdThursday has become a vibrant monthly celebration of music, art, and local culture.

Each 3rdThursday event features performances by 1 to 3 music groups, offering a diverse range of genres from jazz and blues to rock and classical. The festival also includes community art sharing, photo booths, poetry readings, and family-friendly activities like dance and crafts. Local businesses participate to help create a lively atmosphere that encourages attendees to shop and dine locally.

Over the past two years, 3rdThursday has evolved to the noted artists such as Mike Annuzzi, Anthony Arya, Tebo's Experience, The Dennis Dove Band, Rasquache Liberation Front, and the Nickel Slots. The car-free nature of California Avenue during the event provides a safe and welcoming environment for attendees of all ages to enjoy live music and community activities.

As 3rdThursday continues to grow, it remains a testament to the power of grassroots community efforts in fostering local culture and economic vitality. With ongoing support from sponsors like Stanford Research Park and the Palo Alto Chamber Foundation, the festival aims to sustain its mission of bringing joy and connection through live music and community engagement. For more information on upcoming events and how to get involved, visit 3rdthursday.fun.